With a career dating back to NYSUT’s founding year, Howard Kasen has seen a lot. He was on the front lines with the Nyack Teachers Association during a 28-day strike in 1975. When he learned he was going to be served with papers ordering him to return to work or face contempt of court charges, he had to get creative.
“If they can’t find you, they can’t get you. I wanted to walk with my union brothers and sisters. When I heard that the process server was coming over to the high school, I went to one of the elementary schools. I just kept moving.“
In the years following that job action, Kasen rose through the ranks of his local, serving the union in numerous positions, including as president, and laying the foundation for an improved teacher-district relationship.
Kasen has continued his service to the union in retirement. He currently serves as president of Retiree Council 14 where he works to support NYSUT retirees in Rockland and Orange counties and keep them involved and informed.